§ As amended (by the Standing Committee), considered.
§ Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a third time."
§ MR. CLAUDE HAYasked in reference to the power given to the Department to lop trees, what arrangement the 760 Postmaster-General had made to ensure that the trees should be properly lopped. So far as he was aware, he did not believe the Postmaster-General had in his Department any qualified tree-lopper. The right hon. Gentleman had a large staff who might know a good deal about the constitution of telegraph poles and wires, but he did not suppose they knew much about horticulture, and though at first sight this might appear to be a small matter, those who appreciated the beauty of trees would recognise that an unskilled hand lopping a tree might ruin its beauty, and destroy the amenities of a place. A tree might be of priceless value to the beauty of a cottage, and he knew there was a strong feeling throughout the country on the matter. He sincerely hoped the right hon. Gentleman would make some very strict regulations as to the manner in which this lopping was to be carried out to give facilities for the erection of wires. Would the right hon. Gentleman besides issuing regulations appoint an officer who would be responsible to him for treating the trees kindly, and in a husbandlike manner?
§ THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON) Tower Hamlets, Poplarsaid he was perfectly aware that the question of lopping trees required consideration, and lie thought the point was really met by the Amendment which was inserted in Committee, leaving it in the power of the owner himself to do the lopping.
§ Whereupon Mr. SPEAKER, pursuant to the Order of the House of 10th July, adjourned the House without Question put.
§ Adjourned at five minutes before One o'clock.